League eyes expansion in West
National Basketball League of Canada eyes expansion in western markets
Saskatoon is about to court yet another professional basketball league.
Basketball fans can get a sneak preview of the National Basketball League of Canada in Saskatoon on Nov. 2.
On Monday, miniature basketballs flew through the air during a media conference at the new Merlis Belsher Place, where much larger basketballs will become airborne when the two league finalists — Halifax Hurricanes and reigning champion London Lightning — play an exhibition game as an “extension” of their championship series.
Proceeds from the pre-season tilt will go to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the Imagine No Bullying program.
“It’s going to be the most competitive exhibition game in these teams’ history,” predicted Hurricanes team owner Mark Lever, who doubles as league chairman.
“This will be Game 8 (of the championship final). Hopefully we come on top this time.”
The Hurricanes will open up training camp three weeks earlier to prepare for their Saskatoon debut.
“I think people will be surprised,” Lever said of the league. “The level of basketball is a highlevel game. It’s fast and a lot of ball played above the rim.”
The pro basketball league — which was formed in 2011 — has 10 teams based in Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/ Labrador.
Organizers are eyeing expansion in Western Canada with a keen interest in possibly establishing a team in the Saskatoon market.
Right now, the NBLC is at an exploratory stage when it comes to provinces on the western side of Ontario.
“We’re excited about the prospect of expanding west,” Lever said. “There are a number of groups. It’s early days yet. We don’t have anybody with an official application to the league. If we expand west, we’d like to expand with a division of five or six teams. We are in discussions.”
In the meantime, another pro basketball franchise is set to begin play next spring at Sasktel Centre. The Saskatchewan Rattlers will play in the all-new Canadian Elite Basketball League. They’ll play their games through the spring and summer, while the National Basketball League of Canada’s season runs mid-november to mid-may.
Lever sees the two leagues complementing each other.
“We’re not at all concerned (with the Rattlers),” he said. “They are complementary seasons. Our league believes that, in Canada, basketball is a winter sport and that our schedule is the right time frame. We’re not concerned at all about overlapping fan interest.”
John Graham, who has brought NHL games to Saskatoon and professional soccer to Regina, is back to promote the Nov. 2 hoops game.
“I heard about the other league,” admitted Graham. “I think it’s great that they’re doing the summer league because it gives these (players another season). It’s a bonus. The difference is this league has been around for a while and it’s going into its eighth year.”
Lever commended London Lightning team owner Vito Frijia, who served as league chair for four years, for bringing stability to the league.
“He’s brought us to a point where we could actually explore opportunities to play in our league beyond our current footprint in southern Ontario and the Maritimes,” said Lever. “We’re excited to be here and give you a taste of our product and work with the Red Cross in supporting a great cause in your community.”
Frijia said he can’t wait to start the season.
“The league’s actually gotten bigger than what I envisioned the first year and we want to continue to grow,” he said, stressing that the league has “huge Canadian content built in” with a minimum of five Canadian players on each team. Most of the coaches, support staff and referees are also Canadian.
“We’re as a group of owners, we’re so pleased that we’re almost at the point where we can make the league Canada-wide,” said Frijia.
“There are approximately 384 professional leagues beside the NBA. If you look at most European countries, they have a top division and B division and even some countries have a C division. Countries like Iran and Iraq actually have professional basketball leagues, so it’s about time Canada had a professional basketball league. It’s great for the fans.”
Tickets go on sale Saturday. Prices range from $10 to $55 (plus applicable fees). There will be 500 courtside seats on the floor and additional seating in the Merlis Belsher Place Arena, which seats 2,500.
The level of basketball is a high-level game. It’s fast and a lot of ball played above the rim.